This year thus far has been full of frustration, fears and untold sadness as Covid-19 has swept through the US killing 100,000 Americans. There has been unimaginable pain and suffering for so many, but I would also like to remember the meaning of Memorial
Day.
Soldiers risk their lives every day for our freedom, a freedom
that sometimes we might take for granted. Nothing in life is free and I for one am thankful that we have such brave men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.
Dear Solider: Thank you for your Service. Thank you for your Sacrifice. Thank you for your Courage. I Salute YOU. This day honors all of you.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally
known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have
died in military service for the United States. Many people visit
cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as
the start of the summer season.
Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died
during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the
Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended
to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.
The current name for this day did not come into use until after World
War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30,
regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the
Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal
holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971,
Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in
May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to
recognize the new date.
Whatever you decide to do on this holiday weekend as our country struggles to reopen, say a prayer and a
"thank you" for all of the US military personnel who are serving around
the world to keep us all safe.
My thanks go out to Dave, Tim, Gary, and Brenda for your current and past service. Be safe out there.
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